Burnet County officials take oath of office

New District Attorney Perry Thomas was sworn in by Judge Allan Garrett on Jan. 1 at the Burnet County Courthouse. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey
Newly elected and re-elected Burnet County officials were sworn into office on New Year’s Day during a 9 a.m. ceremony at the Burnet County Courthouse. The event marks the beginning of their terms.
NEW OFFICIALS: 2025-28
Perry Thomas
District Attorney for the 33rd/424th Judicial Districts
Outgoing: Wiley “Sonny” McAfee
Perry Thomas took office as district attorney on the morning of Wednesday, Jan. 1. The 33rd and 424th judicial districts include Burnet, Blanco, Llano, and San Saba counties. Thomas succeeds Wiley “Sonny” McAfee, who did not run for re-election.
“I’m not stepping into it blindly,” Thomas told DailyTrib.com. “I know just about everyone involved in the justice system already, so I can hit the ground running.”
A seasoned prosecutor with 24 years of experience in Jefferson County, Thomas also served as the first assistant DA under McAfee for four years. He opened his own practice as a defense attorney, The Law Office of Perry Thomas, nearly five years ago. With his new position, Thomas will give up his private practice to focus on prosecuting felony cases.
“I’m really excited to get started,” he said. “I look forward to working for the people of this district.”
Thomas plans to enhance coordination between law enforcement agencies across county lines, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts to address issues like drug-related crimes.
“The sheriffs and law enforcement agencies here already have a great working relationship, and I’ll work to coordinate efforts across all four counties to tackle key issues,” he noted.
Thomas secured his new office after winning the Republican primary in March 2024 against opponent Marie Primm. There was no Democratic challenger in the Nov. 5 general election.
Deanne Fisher
County Tax Assessor-Collector
Outgoing: Sheri Frazier
Deanne Fisher’s family stood by her side as she was sworn in courthouse Wednesday morning. Fisher replaces Sheri Frazier, who retired after 32 years in the position.
“Burnet County has been my home for 43 years,” Fisher told DailyTrib.com. ”It’s where my husband and I grew up, went to school, and raised our three sons. I am honored to serve the citizens of this county and look forward to making meaningful improvements in the (Burnet County) Tax Office.”
Before her election, Fisher served as Burnet County chief deputy treasurer for 13 years under Treasurer Karrie Crownover, who swore her in on Wednesday.
Fisher has outlined initiatives she plans to introduce to improve accessibility and convenience for county residents now that she is in office:
- Extended hours—Beginning March 2025, both the north and south offices will remain open until 5:30 p.m. one day a week to better serve working families.
- Boat and watercraft registration—Starting in 2026, the tax office will begin registering boats and personal watercraft in partnership with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Fisher’s election was competitive, ultimately culminating in a victory over Susan Allen, who had served in the Burnet County tax office under the outgoing Frazier. Fisher had no Democratic challenger in the Nov. 5 general election.
Chad Collier
County Commissioner for Precinct 3
Outgoing: Billy Wall
A lifelong resident of Burnet County, Chad Collier was sworn in as the Burnet County Precinct 3 commissioner on Wednesday. Collier brings decades of experience in business management and infrastructure projects.
“It feels good to finally finish the race,” Collier told DailyTrib.com. “After a long year, I’m excited to take on this role and work for the community.”
Collier plans to focus on improving roads and bridges and upgrade surfaces, signage, and visibility. Transparency and open communication will be a cornerstone of his administration, he said.
“The public wants transparency in road and bridge work and county business, and I think we’re heading in the right direction,” Collier said.
The county is also navigating significant transitions, including the resignation of former County Judge James Oakley and the upcoming resignation and retirement of Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace Debbie Bindseil.
“We have a lot on our plate,” Collier said. “I just ask for a little forgiveness and a little patience as we work our way through this transition.”
Collier defeated opponent Homer Will in the March 5 Republican primary to replace former commissioner Billy Wall, who did not run for re-election.
RETURNING OFFICIALS: 2025-28
- 33rd District Judge J. Allan Garrett
- Burnet County Sheriff Calvin Boyd
- Burnet County Attorney Eddie Arredondo
- Burnet County Precinct 1 Commissioner Jim Luther
- Burnet County Precinct 1 Constable Leslie Ray
- Burnet County Precinct 2 Constable Garry Adams
- Burnet County Precinct 3 Constable Scott Davis
- Burnet County Precinct 4 Constable Milicent “Missy” Bindseil